the basics
What's it like to be a speech pathologist?
Overview
Speech pathologists help people improve their communication skills and/or fix their swallowing problems, working with all ages from infants to the elderly. Someone who conducts speech therapy treats problems ranging from fluency, the flow of thoughts and ideas, to speech sounds or the ability to swallow. They assess, diagnose, and treat various disorders related to speech to help people communicate more effectively. Communication includes how far a person should stand from someone, how to talk around different people, or how to articulate speech. These professionals are needed in various settings such as schools, private practices, and hospitals, all working with a different group of individuals.
Requirements
A speech therapist must have a bachelor's degree, and it is often helpful to specialize in language development, psychology, or communication sciences and disorders, as these pertain directly to speech. In most states, a master’s in Speech-Language Pathology is also necessary, regardless of what setting you choose to work in. There are online speech pathology programs if location or cost is a worry. However, in-person programs tend to include internship experience to better prepare students for the workplace. A speech pathologist must then get their license in their specific state and they can finally join the work force!
What Can High School Students Do?
- Often times, schools hire a speech pathologist to help their students out so try to shadow or intern with your school district’s speech pathologist
- Volunteer with children, special needs students, or the elderly
- Improve your own communication skills by enrolling in classes such as:
- Drama
- Speech and Debate
- Model UN
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